Foreign workers coming to the Maldives and foreigners staying in the Maldives are required to undergo medical examinations.

Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim told a news conference at the President's Office today that foreigners will be required to undergo a medical check-up on arrival and once a year. The 30-day period for medical check-ups after arrival in the Maldives will also be shortened to 15 days.

The previous government changed the law in 2020 to stop the medical examinations of foreign workers coming to the Maldives.

Foreign workers entering the country to work are required to submit a medical once a year, and if they do not, their work permits will not be renewed. A medical report from a government-approved clinic or hospital must be submitted within 30 days of entry. However, it was all left as an option.

Nazim said the cabinet has also decided to reduce the 30-day period for foreigners to undergo medical check-ups after arrival in the Maldives to 15 days. Foreigners from endemic areas on business visas will have to undergo a medical if their visas are extended. The Health Ministry has also been given the power to increase the number of tests required for medical check-ups depending on the circumstances, he said.

Nazim said the medical check-up system will be strengthened and foreigners will be required to undergo medical check-ups on arrival and at least once a year.

In addition, the Cabinet has decided to make it compulsory for undocumented foreigners to undergo check-ups when they are documented, he said.